LR35 Captain reports wing tip damage and fuel leak caused by runway contact during go-around after unstabilized approach.
Synopsis
LR35 Captain reports wing tip damage and fuel leak caused by runway contact during go-around after unstabilized approach.
Narrative
The 2 Pilots are Co-Captains in the aircraft. The other Captain was the Pilot Flying; although I was listed as Pilot in Command for the flight. We were cleared for the visual approach to Runway 19 on a wide left downwind. I was running the before landing checklist as Pilot Flying was flying the approach. He said he had the runway in sight and turned final about 5 miles out. At about 2 - 2.5 miles; Tower called and said we were lined up for Runway 21; at which point the other Captain said he had Runway 19 in sight and could circle to make the landing. I kept my eyes on the angle of attack indicators and airspeed indicators throughout the maneuver to land; while he proceeded visually. When I glanced up at the runway; we were crossing the 1;000 FT markers at approximately 20-30 FT AGL; and drifting a little right of centerline. We continued to drift a little bit; and at around 10 FT AGL I called for a go-around. He added power and as the engines were spooling; I noticed the right wing drop; and the right main landing gear settled on the runway at about the 2;000 FT marker. The plane immediately became airborne; and we began to climb out. Tower informed us that we had a white mist coming from our right wing; and I looked out and confirmed fuel leaking from our right tip tank. Tower asked for our intentions; and I replied that we were going to land Runway 19 and to get the trucks ready. We made right traffic for Runway 19; and Pilot Flying came back in and landed. We exited and waited for trucks to arrive. Upon inspection of the right tip tank; I noticed scrapes on the bottom; and an opening along one of the seams where fuel was leaking profusely. Upon further inspection; I also noticed the fin on the outside of the left tip tank was scraped and dented. Everything happened so quickly; I don't remember being in a left wing down attitude. The winds were reported on ATIS as being out of 140 degrees gusting to 12 KTS; which could have been a factor. The main factors; in my opinion; were: not being on a stabilized approach; and complacency on my part. We have done circling approaches before in bad weather; so I had trust in Pilot Flying that he could do the maneuver to land safely. Being in visual conditions; I should have ordered the go-around as soon as Tower informed us we were lined up on the wrong runway. I should have been paying a lot more attention to what was going on. The FAA came out and inspected the airplane; and also took our statements. This is still being investigated as to whether it will be considered an incident or an accident.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.